How to Take the Shininess Out of Faux Leather

Amanda Flanigan

Featuring the feel and look of real leather, faux leather is a cheaper alternative to the expensive material. Fake leather will give you the positive aspects of leather without the hefty price tag. Faux leather can have a bit too much shine on it. Typically caused by waxing or polishing, removing the shine can give your faux leather an aged and antique appearance. Fortunately, you can remove the fake leather's luster with a few inexpensive items.

Used to make various items, leather is available in a variety of colors.

Abrasive Cleaning Wipes

Step 1

Purchase an abrasive cleaning wipe. Begin scrubbing the faux leather with the abrasive cleaning wipe in a vigorous motion.

Step 2

Start at the bottom and scrub small sections of the faux leather at a time with the wipe. Dry the section of leather with a lint-free cloth.

Step 3

Continue rubbing the leather with the wipe while moving upward until you achieve the desired look.

Rubbing Alcohol

Step 4

Pour rubbing alcohol in a small container. Rubbing alcohol is available at department stores.

Step 5

Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth in the rubbing alcohol. Start at the top of the fake leather and rub the leather in a circular motion.

Step 6

Continue scrubbing for several seconds while moving down toward the bottom of the leather. Wipe the excess rubbing alcohol off the leather with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Nail Polish Remover and Sandpaper

Step 7

Fill a small container with nail polish remover that contains acetone. Dip a rag in the nail polish remover and wipe the faux leather with the dampened rag.

Step 8

Rub the fake leather immediately with a piece of sandpaper. The sandpaper will remove the luster and darken the leather giving it a distressed or aged look.